RIGHT USE OF LIME IN SOIL IMPROVEMENT 



ton at a value greater than assigned to one- 

 half of a ton of limestone. The additional 

 value of the ashes, due to the potash con- 

 tent, is wholly another consideration. 



Marl. No more should be paid for a ton 

 of good chalk marl than an equal weight of 

 fine limestone would cost. Each is a good 

 carbonate of lime, with the same capacity 

 for destruction of acids. 



Agricultural Lime. This variable prod- 

 uct should not be bought unless actual com- 

 position is known, or the cost is as low as 

 that of pulverized limestone, and even then 

 it may be a bad purchase, the methods of the 

 manufacturer being the determining factor. 

 If such lime is chiefly a dumping place for 

 low-grade stone and forkings, it has small 

 agricultural value. 



Land Plaster. The soil wants lime in 

 carbonate form. The oxide and hydrate 

 change to carbonate, and therefore are good. 

 Land plaster is a sulphate, and its tendency 

 is to make a soil sour. It should not be con- 

 sidered as a means of correcting soil acidity. 



Basic Slag. The amount of effective 

 lime in basic slag, as made by modern meth- 

 ods, is so small that its value is nearly negli- 

 gible. Basic slag is a good source of phos- 



